Undoubtedly, data, often overlooked, is the lifeblood of effective healthcare. It’s the raw material from which insights, strategies, and life-saving interventions are born. In Nigeria, where healthcare challenges abound, the strategic handling, access, and utilization of data could be a game-changer.
Imagine a health system where doctors can predict disease outbreaks, policymakers can allocate resources effectively, and researchers can develop targeted treatments. Findings have also shown that the potential of data when harnessed correctly, can improve disease surveillance, by tracking disease patterns, outbreaks can be detected early, allowing for timely intervention. Data can identify areas with the highest need, ensuring resources are directed where they are most impactful. It also helped to enhance treatment outcomes. Analyzing patient data can lead to personalized treatment plans and better health outcomes. Data-driven insights can inform policy decisions and improve overall system efficiency.
Nigeria’s Data Dilemma
While the potential is immense, Nigeria faces significant challenges in data management. Issues have been raised in areas such as data quality, Data privacy and security; Limited digital infrastructure; and Lack of data literacy.
Experts say investing in digital infrastructure, improving data quality, strengthening data privacy regulations, and building data literacy would unlock the full potential of data in Nigeria’s health sector. Findings also showed that by prioritising data, Nigeria can move closer to achieving universal health coverage and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.
To this effect, Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial hub, is charting a new course in healthcare delivery with the launch of its Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP).
The groundbreaking initiative, a collaborative effort between the state government, Interswitch, and eClat is designed to revolutionise how healthcare data is managed, accessed, and utilised.
At the heart of this digital transformation lies the vision of a seamless, efficient, and patient-centric healthcare system.
SHIP, a robust cloud-based platform, is designed to serve as the backbone for transmitting and managing patient data across all state-owned healthcare facilities.
By digitising health records and creating a centralised repository, the platform aims to eliminate the inefficiencies associated with manual data handling and improve data accuracy.
According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Development Plan 2052 aims to make the state a model mega city in Africa and health which means achieving universal health care, and becoming the destination for medical tourism in the West Africa region.
Abayomi further explained that creating a web of connectivity to capture data at every patient touch point was critical.
He acknowledged that Lagos’s healthcare landscape was huge and fragmented hence the need for SHIP.
He annually, about 7 million patient encounters happen in the state General Hospitals, adding that the advent of SHIP opens up their innovative minds which would lead to an exponential increase in the amount of data created, stored and transformed.
“The use of digital technology has become inevitable to process the quantum of data and data has become the new currency in the knowledge economy,” he stated.
Looking ahead, the Commissioner envisions a future with rapid data sharing, advanced analytics, early warning systems, and a global hub for healthcare innovation.
A Beacon of Hope for Patients
Abayomi emphasised the power of data in transforming healthcare, adding that the Lagos SHIP initiative aims to enhance patient experiences and access to quality care.
Collaboration is key, according to Abayomi. He said by streamlining operations and making data-driven decisions, Lagos SHIP will improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient outcomes.
“The initiative involves a wide range of stakeholders, including government, private healthcare providers, insurers, and the public.
“Lagos SHIP aligns with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision of universal healthcare coverage.”
For patients, SHIP offers a multitude of benefits. Imagine a world where medical records are accessible at the click of a button, appointments can be booked online, and prescription refills are just a phone call away.
SHIP brings this vision to life. By providing patients with greater control over their health information, the platform empowers individuals to actively participate in their healthcare journey.
Moreover, SHIP is expected to enhance patient safety by reducing medication errors and ensuring that healthcare providers have access to complete and up-to-date medical histories. This is particularly crucial in emergencies where timely access to critical patient information can be lifesaving.
A catalyst for healthcare transformation
Beyond patient care, SHIP is poised to transform the way healthcare is delivered and managed. By providing healthcare administrators with real-time data and analytics, the platform will enable data-driven decision-making. This, in turn, will facilitate resource allocation, identify healthcare gaps, and inform the development of effective health policies.
The potential of SHIP extends beyond the state’s borders. By serving as a model for other states and countries, Lagos can become a leader in digital health innovation. The platform’s success could inspire similar initiatives across Africa, contributing to the continent’s healthcare advancement.
For the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the transformative potential of the SHIP can enhance healthcare delivery through improved data management, streamlined operations, and better patient engagement.
“The journey to this day began with our determination to establish a unified patient record system, a need made glaringly obvious during the Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics. With the Lagos SHIP, we are not just launching a digital platform, but we are also laying the foundation for a more resilient and responsive healthcare system.”Ogunyemi stated.
She described the platform as a testament to their commitment to innovation and excellence. “By integrating state-of-the-art technology with existing systems, we are poised to improve health outcomes for all residents of Lagos State,” she added.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, said: “SHIP is going to allow us to be more patient-focused. We are already patient-focused, but SHIP gives us that extra incentive, that extra step towards individualized care, leading to better outcomes for patients.”
He said SHIP is designed to provide individuals with greater access to their health information, enabling them to make informed decisions and take control of their health.
The Managing Director of Digital Health Platform, Interswitch, Mr Olufemi Olapegba while giving insights into the technological backbone of the SHIP initiative, explained that SHIP is fundamentally a health information exchange platform that seamlessly connects the demand and supply sides of healthcare.
“SHIP will comply with various regulations and standards, particularly adopting the FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) standard, which is the globally recognized best practice for exchanging health information,” Olapegba stated.
He said SHIP will expose a variety of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to enable the secure and efficient sharing of health data across different touchpoints within the healthcare ecosystem.
He identified critical feature of SHIP as the Summary Care Records API, which facilitates the exchange of clinical data, ensuring that vital details required for continuous care are easily accessible to healthcare providers.
“Additionally, the platform will offer an e-prescription service, enabling patients to receive prescription services beyond the confines of the health facilities they visit. “For example, a patient could visit a hospital in Ikoyi and pick up their medication in Epe if it’s not available at the original location,” Olapegba noted.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the prospects of SHIP are undeniably exciting, the implementation of such a large-scale digital transformation project is not without its challenges. Ensuring data security and privacy is paramount, as is the need to address potential technical glitches and resistance to change among healthcare providers.
However, the potential rewards far outweigh the risks. By embracing technology and investing in digital infrastructure, Lagos State is demonstrating its commitment to improving the health and well-being of its citizens. SHIP represents a bold step towards a future where healthcare is accessible, efficient, and of the highest quality.
As Lagos sets sail on this digital health odyssey, the world is watching. The success of SHIP could have a profound impact not only on the lives of Lagosians but also on the trajectory of healthcare delivery across Africa and beyond.
The potential of SHIP extends beyond the state’s borders. By serving as a model for other states and countries, Lagos can become a leader in digital health innovation. The platform’s success could inspire similar initiatives across Africa, contributing to the continent’s healthcare advancement.
